Zoysiagrass named &#39;KSUZ 0802&#39;

ABSTRACT

The new and distinct zoysiagrass variety described herein is a  Z. matrella  x  Z. japonica  F 1  hybrid named ‘KSUZ 0802’. ‘KSUZ 0802’ can be distinguished by its superior turf quality, fine-textured leaves, increased resistance to bluegrass billbug ( Sphenophorus parvulus  Ghyllenhaal), and cold tolerance that is comparable to zoysiagrass varieties adapted to the transition zone growing region in the U.S.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: Zoysia matrella x Zoysia japonica F₁ hybrid.

Variety denomination: ‘KSUZ 0802’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp.) is one of the most versatile warm-season turfgrasses and is used on lawns, landscapes, and golf courses. The Zoysia genus is indigenous to Pacific Rim countries with a geographic distribution extending from 42° N to 42° S, and displays a wide range of genetic variability that includes 11 different species. Most zoysiagrasses are tetraploid (2n=4x=40); however, there are diploid Zoysia matrella (L.) Merr. accessions (2n=2x=20). The species within the Zoysia genus are cross compatible, which makes interspecific hybridization feasible. Zoysia spp. possess good tolerance to heat, shade, and salt, and require minimal nutrition and mowing. Some zoysiagrass cultivars, particularly within Z. japonica, also exhibit good freezing tolerance.

The following Zoysia species are recognized as turfgrasses in the U.S.: Z. japonica Steud. (Japanese lawngrass), Z. matrella (L.) Merr. (Manilagrass), and Z. pacifica (Goudsw.) M. Hotta and Kuroki (Mascarenegrass). Zoysiagrass is best adapted and widely used in the southern and southeastern regions of the U.S., and limited freezing tolerance is the primary factor hindering widespread implementation of zoysiagrass in other regions, including the region referred to as the “transition zone.” The center of this transition zone runs from eastern New Mexico to northern Virginia. Since 1952, Zoysia japonica cultivar ‘Meyer’ (unpatented) has been the predominant cultivar used in this transition zone because of its excellent freezing tolerance. Also, the Zoysia japonica cultivar ‘DALZ 0102’ (U.S. application Ser. No. 15/731,369), which has been recently released, exhibits a freezing tolerance that is comparable or slightly poorer than that of ‘Meyer’, but the rate of establishment, turf quality, growth under shade, and tolerance to pests displayed by ‘DALZ 0102’ are all superior to that displayed by ‘Meyer’.

Both ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’ exhibit medium-coarse to coarse leaf texture that is suitable for lawns and golf course fairways; however, the finer leaf texture of Zoysia matrella cultivars, such as, ‘Cavalier’ (U.S. Pat. No. 10,778) and ‘Zorro’ (U.S. Pat. No. 14,130), is preferable. Nonetheless, Zoysia matrella cultivars display poor to moderate freezing tolerance and limited adaptation to the transition zone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a new and distinct variety of zoysiagrass named ‘KSUZ 0802’. ‘KSUZ 0802’, formerly tested as TAES 5311-26, is an F₁ interspecific hybrid derived in 2001 from a cross between the Zoysia matrella (L). Merr. cultivar ‘Cavalier’ used as a female parent and an ecotype of Z. japonica Steud. ‘Anderson 1’ (unpatented) used as the male pollen donor. The cross was performed in 2001 in Dallas, Tex. by controlled hand pollination. Receptive protogynous flowers were pollinated with pollen that was collected from the male parent in a glycine shoot bag, and the identity of these pollinated flowers was maintained by placing a bamboo skewer next to the pollinated inflorescences and covering them with a microcentrifuge tube. These pollinated flowers were allowed to mature for six weeks before the seed was harvested.

The harvested seeds were processed by dissecting the hulls away from the caryopsis. In vitro seed germination was accomplished by surface sterilizing the naked caryopses in a 50% bleach solution that was followed by three washes with sterile, deionized water. The hard seed coat of zoysiagrass also required that each seed be scarified with a scalpel blade to accelerate germination on a half strength MS medium. The resulting 610 progeny from 17 different families were transferred and planted in a spaced plant nursery in Manhattan, Kans. in 2004 and evaluated for turf quality and winter survival. The top 31 hybrids were propagated in Manhattan, Kans. in 2006 and 2007 in a greenhouse to plant a field trial to evaluate the performance of these hybrids under golf course fairway management. In 2008, 7 out of these 31 hybrids, including ‘KSUZ 0802’, were advanced to multi-location testing in the transition zone based on their freezing tolerance and overall quality. ‘KSUZ 0802’ was first asexually propagated in Manhattan, Kans. in 2006 via transplanting vegetative plugs.

The new and distinct variety ‘KSUZ 0802’ disclosed herein is well suited for use on golf course fairways and tees, home lawns, and other recreational areas in the transition zone. ‘KSUZ 0802’ can be distinguished at least by its freezing tolerance, spring green-up, fall color retention, finer leaf texture, superior turf quality, and resistance to bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus Ghyllenhaal) damage. ‘KSUZ 0802’ can be distinguished from its female parent (‘Cavalier’) at least by cold hardiness; and ‘KSUZ 0802’ can be distinguished from its male parent (‘Anderson 1’) at least by leaf texture. ‘Cavalier’ is fine-textured with poor cold hardiness; ‘Anderson 1’ is cold hardy and coarse textured; and ‘KSUZ 0802’ is cold hardy and fine-textured.

The following are the most outstanding and distinguishing characteristics of ‘KSUZ 0802’: (1) ‘KSUZ 0802’ exhibits freezing tolerance similar to the transition zone adapted cultivars ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’; (2) ‘KSUZ 0802’ exhibits superior turf quality relative to transition zone adapted cultivars ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’; (3) ‘KSUZ 0802’ exhibits finer leaf texture relative to transition zone adapted cultivars ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’; and (4) ‘KSUZ 0802’ exhibits increased resistance to bluegrass billbug damage relative to transition zone adapted cultivar ‘Meyer’. Further, a multi-location, multi-year field evaluation has demonstrated that the overall performance of ‘KSUZ 0802’ is superior to that of either ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’. ‘KSUZ 0802’ achieved “78” out of a possible turf performance index (TPI) score of “86”; whereas, ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’ achieved a “52” and “57,” respectively.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

‘KSUZ 0802’ is illustrated by the accompanying photographs, which show typical stolon, leaf blade, and inflorescence of the claimed plant. The colors shown are as true as can be reasonably obtained by conventional photographic procedures.

FIG. 1—Shows leaf blades of ‘KSUZ 0802’.

FIG. 2—Shows the leaf hair of ‘KSUZ 0802’.

FIG. 3—Shows stolons of ‘KSUZ 0802’.

FIG. 4—Shows the stolon thickness of ‘KSUZ 0802’.

FIG. 5—Shows an inflorescence of ‘KSUZ 0802’.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description sets forth the distinctive characteristics of Z. matrella x Z. japonica F₁ hybrid ‘KSUZ 0802’. Color references are to the R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London (R.H.S.), 2007 5th Edition. Version 2, unless otherwise indicated. R.H.S. color designations provided refer to both mature and immature stages. If any R.H.S. color designations below differ from the accompanying photographs, the R.H.S. color designations are accurate.

-   Leaf blades:     -   -   Length.—96.5 mm.         -   Width.—2.9 mm.         -   Shape.—Linear, blade rolled in bud, flat surface.         -   Apex.—Pointed.         -   Aspect.—Concave.         -   Margin.—Smooth.         -   Adaxial surface.—Texture: moderate trichromes. Color: RHS             131C; turquoise-green.         -   Abaxial surface.—Texture: smooth. Color: RHS 131B;             turquoise-green.         -   Venation.—Pattern: parallel. Color: RHS 131B;             turquoise-green. -   Flag leaf length: 8.0 mm. -   Inflorescence:     -   -   Type.—spike.         -   Length.—24.7 mm.         -   Width.—1.8 mm. -   Glumes: Present. -   Lemmas: Present. -   Awns: Absent. -   Time of flowering: Late spring to early summer. -   Seed: Present. -   Culm length: 46 mm. -   Stolons:     -   -   Internode length.—22.3 mm.         -   Internode color.—RHS 130; turquoise-green.         -   Internode diameter.—1.4 mm.         -   Node diameter.—2.8 mm.         -   Node color.—RHS 61A; purple-violet. -   Morphological analysis of ‘KSUZ 0802’: ‘KSUZ 0802’ was     morphologically compared to ‘DALZ 0102’, ‘Emerald’ (unpatented),     ‘Meyer’, and ‘Zorro’. Plant material was propagated into 27.3     cm-diameter×24.1 cm-deep pots filled with SUNSHINE® VP mix and 5%     sand (v:v). Three replicate pots of each cultivar received PETERS     PROFESSIONAL® fertilizer (20 N-20 P₂O₅-20 K₂O) monthly during     establishment. Plant material was grown in a greenhouse that was     maintained at 26/18° C. day/night temperature, and 70% humidity from     October, 2014 through March, 2015. Pots were watered three to four     times per week as needed. All potted material was moved outside of     the greenhouse in April, 2015 to promote growth under natural     sunlight and ambient temperature. Leaf tissue was hand-trimmed     weekly during the growing season and stolons were allowed to drape     around pots. Digital calipers were used to collect data for all     traits. Data were collected on Jan. 14, 2015 and Mar. 31, 2015 using     plants maintained in the greenhouse. Leaf width was measured on Jun.     23, 2015 after the plants were moved outside. Color ratings were     determined on non-cloudy days using the Munsell Color Chart for     Plant Tissues, 1977 Edition. A maximum of twelve samples from three     replicate pots were measured for each trait for each cultivar.     Internode length and diameter were measured between the fourth and     fifth nodes of the longest stolon. Stolon node diameter was measured     from the fourth node. The third youngest leaf was measured for leaf     blade length and leaf width 15 mm above the collar. Flag leaf length     was measured from the collar to the tip of the leaf. Inflorescence     length was measured from the top of the peduncle to the tip of the     raceme. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLM model in SAS° 9.3.     Means were separated using Fisher's protected LSD (P≤0.05). -   Morphological comparison of ‘KSUZ 0802’ to commercial varieties:     -   -   Stolon.—Internodes: Those of ‘KSUZ 0802’ were longer than             those of ‘DALZ 0102’, ‘Emerald’, and ‘Meyer’, and similar to             those of ‘Zorro’ (Table 1). Internode diameter: That of             ‘KSUZ 0802’ was narrower than that of ‘DALZ 0102’, similar             to that of ‘Meyer’, and wider than that of ‘Emerald’ and             ‘Zorro’ (Table 1). Node diameter: That of ‘KSUZ 0802’ was             similar to that of ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’, and wider than             that of ‘Emerald’ and ‘Zorro’ (Table 1).         -   Leaf blade.—Lengths: Those of ‘KSUZ 0802’ were shorter than             those of ‘Meyer’, similar to those of ‘Emerald’ and ‘Zorro’,             and longer than those of ‘DALZ 0102’ (Table 1). Widths:             Those of ‘KSUZ 0802’ were finer than those of ‘DALZ 0102’             and ‘Meyer’, and coarser than those of ‘Emerald’ and ‘Zorro’             (Table 1).         -   Flag leaf lengths.—Those of ‘KSUZ 0802’ were longer than             those of ‘Emerald’ and ‘Zorro’, and similar to that of             ‘Meyer’ (Table 1).         -   Inflorescence lengths.—Those of ‘KSUZ 0802’ were shorter             than those of ‘Meyer’, longer than those of ‘Zorro’, and             similar to those of ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Emerald’ (Table 1).

TABLE 1 Morphological comparison of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars. Stolon Stolon internode internode Stolon node Leaf blade Leaf blade Flag leaf Inflorescence length (mm) diameter (mm) diameter (mm) length (mm) width (mm) length (mm) length (mm) ‘KSUZ 0802’ 22.3 a 1.4 b 2.8 a  96.5 b 2.9 c 8.0 a 24.7 b ‘DALZ 0102’ 16.4 c 1.8 a 2.8 a  73.6 c 3.7 a — 25.5 b ‘Emerald’ 16.2 c 1.2 c 2.1 b 107.0 b 2.0 d 3.6 bc 22.9 b ‘Meyer’ 18.2 bc 1.5 b 2.7 a 169.5 a 3.4 b 5.6 ab 41.0 a ‘Zorro’ 21.2 ab 1.2 c 2.3 b 104.5 b 1.8 d 1.8 c 19.4 c Means within a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05.

-   ‘KSUZ 0802’ establishment and stolon growth evaluation: Vegetative     plugs of ‘KSUZ 0802’, ‘Meyer’, and ‘DALZ 0102’ were planted in June,     2007 and June, 2008 at Manhattan, Kans. and evaluated for stolon     growth characteristics and establishment rates. In 2007, ‘KSUZ 0802’     exhibited a greater stolon initiation rate (5.0/week) than ‘Meyer’     (2.9/week) and ‘DALZ 0102’ (2.6/week); however, all three varieties     exhibited similar rates in 2008. All three varieties exhibited     similar stolon branching rates in 2007; whereas, ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ     0102’ both exhibited higher stolon branching rates than ‘KSUZ 0802’     in 2008. All three varieties displayed similar stolon elongation     rates in both 2007 and 2008. In both years, the plugs planted in     June for all three varieties each achieved the same level of plot     coverage by September. Z. japonica lines generally display faster     establishment rates, as well as aggressive growth and re-growth     characteristics when compared with Z. matrella lines. ‘KSUZ 0802’ a     finer textured, Z. matrella x Z. japonica F₁ hybrid line therefore     unexpectedly exhibited similar stolon growth characteristics and     establishment rates as ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ 0102’, which are both Z.     japonica lines. -   ‘KSUZ 0802’ freezing tolerance evaluation: The freezing tolerance of     ‘KSUZ 0802’, ‘Meyer’, and ‘DALZ 0102’ were compared in 2007     and 2008. Grass cores measuring 6 cm in diameter were randomly     collected from plots at Manhattan, Kans. that were maintained under     a cultural regimen similar to golf course fairways. The sampled     cores were subjected to controlled freezing temperatures (−6 to −22°     C.) in a cold stress simulator during midwinter. The lethal     temperature resulting in death of 50% of grass tillers (LT₅₀) of     ‘KSUZ 0802’ was statistically similar to that of ‘Meyer’ and ‘DALZ     0102’ in both 2007 and 2008. -   ‘KSUZ 0802’ multi-state progeny evaluation: ‘KSUZ 0802’, ‘Meyer’,     and ‘DALZ 0102’ were planted together in the summer of 2009 at all     locations except Manhattan, Kans., where they were planted in the     summer of 2008, and Fletcher and Jackson Springs, N.C., where they     were planted in the summer of 2010. Data from Wichita, Kans. (KS1);     Columbia, Mo. (MO); Stillwater, Okla. (OK); Knoxville, Tenn. (TN);     Dallas, Tex. (TX); Virginia Beach, Va. (VA1); and Blacksburg, Va.     (VA2) were collected from 2009 to 2012. Data from Manhattan, Kans.     (KS2) were collected from 2008 to 2011, and data from Fletcher, N.C.     (NC1) and Jackson Springs, N.C. (NC2) were collected from 2010     to 2012. The only field study location not within the transition     zone was Dallas, Tex. Experimental hybrids and checks were     replicated three times in a randomized complete block design, and     were established vegetatively from 7.6 cm×7.6 cm plugs. For each     replication, six plugs were quartered and planted equidistant in the     centermost 1.5 m×1.5 m of 2.1 m×2.1 m plots. Irrigation (2.5 cm) was     applied to supplement rainfall each week during the first season to     promote establishment; and thereafter, to prevent dormancy. Nitrogen     was applied at 25 kg/ha during each growing month in the first year,     but did not exceed a total of 100 kg/ha in the years after     establishment. Actively growing plots were mowed weekly at 9 out of     10 locations to achieve a 3.8 to 6.4 cm cutting height that is     recommended for home lawn management. Grasses in the evaluations     conducted in Manhattan, Kans. and Stillwater, Okla. were mowed 2 to     3 days per week to maintain a height of 1.3 cm, which is suggested     height for fairways. Oxadiazon at 146.5 kg/ha was applied as a     preemergence herbicide immediately after planting plugs to control     annual summer weeds. Establishment was rated as a percentage of plot     cover, with data collected during the first growing season at all 9     evaluated locations (Table 2). Turf quality was rated monthly based     on color, density, texture, and uniformity from May to September on     a scale from 1 to 9 in which “1” corresponds to “poorest quality”     and “9” corresponds to “optimum quality” (Tables 3 and 8). Leaf     texture was rated once each year on a scale from 1 to 9 in which “1”     corresponds to “very coarse” and “9” corresponds to “very fine”     (Tables 4 and 8). Genetic color, Spring green-up, and Fall color     retention were rated once each year on a scale from 1 to 9 in which     “1” corresponds to “brown/dead” and “9” corresponds to “dark green”     (Tables 5-8). Bluegrass billbug (S. parvulus Ghyllenhal) damage was     also assessed as a percentage of plot damage (Table 8). Frequency of     data collection for each trait varied by location, and is described     in the respective table footnotes. Data were analyzed using JMP® 10     software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted separately for     each individual location using cultivar, year, and cultivar×year     interaction as fixed effects, and replications were nested within     each year. If the cultivar×year interaction was not significant for     an individual location, data were pooled across years and     reanalyzed. Cultivar means were separated using Fisher's protected     LSD (P≤0.05). In addition, a turfgrass performance index (TPI) for     each cultivar was determined (Tables 2-8) by adding the number of     times a cultivar appeared in the top statistical group (‘a’), or in     the case of the billbug damage evaluations the lowest grouping was     considered superior.

TABLE 2 Establishment (% plot cover) of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at nine locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). KS1 MO NC1 NC2 OK TN TX VA1 VA2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 87.5 a 79.7 ab 55.0 a 68.3 a 71.0 a 97.3 a 73.3 a 63.3 ab 70.2 a 9 ‘DALZ 0102’ 86.7 a 85.0 a 51.7 a 70.0 a 79.0 a 99.2 a 70.0 a 74.0 a 74.4 a 9 ‘Meyer’ 76.2 b 76.0 b 41.7 a 45.0 a 81.3 a 91.2 b 73.3 a 53.0 b 67.1 a 5 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Means determined in 2010: KS1: (June-October); NC1: (October); NC2: (October); OK: (April, June-July, and September-October); TN: (June-August, September (twice), and October); VA1: (April-May and July-September); and VA2: (May-August). Means determined in 2009: MO (October-November). Means determined in 2012: TX (June).

TABLE 3 Turf quality of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at nine locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 KS1 KS1 KS1 MO NC1 NC2 OK OK OK TN TX TX VA1 VA2 VA2 VA2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 5.3 a 5.6 a 4.5 a 6.1 a 7.4 a 5.7 a 5.0 a 7.1 a 7.1 a 6.6 a 4.6 b 3.0 ab 7.2 a 5.7 a 6.5 a 6.2 a 15 ‘DALZ 0102’ 5.1 a 5.2 a 5.3 a 6.2 a 5.4 b 5.4 ab 5.1 a 6.0 b 6.0 b 6.5 a 5.5 a 3.7 a 6.9 a 5.4 ab 6.3 a 5.6 b 12 ‘Meyer’ 3.9 b 5.2 a 3.3 b 5.3 a 7.3 a 5.0 b 5.1 a 6.1 b 6.1 b 6.5 a 3.6 c 2.3 b 7.0 a 4.7 b 4.9 b 5.1 b  6 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Years are presented separately for locations at which a significant cultivar × year interaction was observed. Means were determined: KS1: 2010 (May-September), 2011 (May-September), and 2012 (May-September); MO: 2010 (May and July), 2011 (June), and 2012 (September); NC1: 2011 (June-September) and 2012 (May-October); NC2: 2011 (May-October) and 2012 (May-October); OK: 2010 (May and August-October), 2011 (May-October), and 2012 (April-July and October); TN: 2010 (July-August, September (twice), and October) and 2011 (May-June and August-September); TX: 2011 (May-October) and 2012 (May (twice) and June); VA1: 2010 (August-September), 2011 (May-October), and 2012 (May-October); and VA2: 2010 (July-August, September (twice), and October), 2011 (May-September), and 2012 (May-October).

TABLE 4 Leaf texture of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at nine locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). 2010 2011 2012 KS1 MO NC1 NC1 NC1 NC2 OK TN TX VA1 VA2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 7.4 a 6.0 a 7.0 a 8.0 a 8.0 a 6.9 a 6.7 a 7.7 a 6.0 a 7.7 a 6.7 a 11 ‘DALZ 0102’ 5.2 b 4.0 c 5.7 b 5.0 c 5.7 b 5.1 b 2.0 b 5.0 c 4.7 c 3.7 b 3.3 c  0 ‘Meyer’ 5.7 b 5.0 b 7.0 a 7.0 b 7.7 a 7.6 a 5.3 a 6.7 b 5.5 b 6.7 a 5.0 b  5 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Years are presented separately for locations at which a significant cultivar × year interaction was observed. Means were determined: KS1: 2010 (September), 2011 (July), and 2012 (July); MO: 2009 (October); NC1: 2010 (October), 2011 (August), and 2012 (July); NC2: 2010 (October), 2011 (July), and 2012 (July); OK: 2009 (September); TN: 2009 (September); TX: 2011 (May) and 2012 (May); VA1: 2010 (July); and VA2: 2010 (July).

TABLE 5 Genetic color of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at nine locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). KS1 MO NC1 NC2 OK TN TX VA1 VA2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 5.7 a 7.3 a 7.2 a 5.8 a 8.0 a 7.3 a 7.0 a 7.3 ab 5.7 a 9 ‘DALZ 0102’ 4.4 b 5.8 b 4.8 b 5.5 a 7.3 ab 7.7 a 7.0 a 7.0 b 6.0 a 5 ‘Meyer’ 6.1 a 7.3 a 7.3 a 6.7 a 7.0 b 6.3 a 7.7 a 8.0 a 4.3 a 8 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Means were determined: KS1: 2010 (September), 2011 (July), and 2012 (July); MO: 2011 (June) and 2012 (September); NC1: 2011 (August) and 2012 (July); NC2: 2011 (July) and 2012 (July); OK: 2009 (September); TN: 2009 (September); TX: 2011 (June); VA1: 2011 (July); and VA2: 2010 (July).

TABLE 6 Spring green-up of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at nine locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2011 2012 Cultivar KS1 KS1 KS1 MO NC1 NC2 OK TN TN TX VA1 VA2 VA2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 4.3 a 6.7 a 5.3 a 6.8 a 7.8 a 5.2 b 2.8 a 6.3 a 9.0 a 4.0 a 6.0 a 5.0 a 8.0 a 12 ‘DALZ 0102’ 4.3 a 5.3 b 3.7 b 8.1 a 7.7 a 7.2 a 3.0 a 7.3 a 9.0 a 4.7 a 5.8 a 4.0 ab 8.0 a 11 ‘Meyer’ 3.0 a 7.3 a 4.0 b 6.8 a 7.8 a 6.7 a 3.3 a 6.2 a 9.0 a 4.7 a 6.2 a 2.7 b 6.7 b 10 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Years are presented separately for locations at which a significant cultivar × year interaction was observed. Means were determined: KS1: 2010 (April), 2011 (April), and 2012 (May); MO: 2010 (April and May (twice)) and 2011 (June); NC1: 2011 (April) and 2012 (April); NC2: 2011 (April) and 2012 (March); OK: 2010 (March and April); TN: 2010 (April (twice)) and 2011 (April); TX: 2011 (March); VA1: 2010 (March), 2011 (April and March), and 2012 (March); and VA2: 2011 (April) and 2012 (April).

TABLE 7 Fall color retention of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial zoysiagrass cultivars at six locations maintained at lawn height (3.8 to 6.4 cm). 2010 2012 2009 2010 2011 2010 2011 2012 Cultivar KS1 KS1 MO MO MO NC1 NC2 NC2 NC2 OK TX TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 3.7 b 2.2 ab 3.8 a 5.5 a 3.7 a 7.0 a 6.3 b 3.8 b 6.0 a 4.3 a 4.3 a  8 ‘DALZ 0102’ 5.7 a 1.8 b 4.3 a 5.3 a 4.3 a 5.8 a 6.0 b 6.5 a 7.3 a 4.7 a 5.0 a  9 ‘Meyer’ 4.0 b 3.1 a 3.0 a 5.7 a 4.7 a 7.0 a 8.7 a 5.0 ab 7.3 a 5.0 a 3.7 a 10 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Years are presented separately for locations at which a significant cultivar × year interaction was observed. Means were determined: KS1: 2010 (October) and 2012 (October and November (twice)); MO: 2009 (October and November), 2010 (October (twice)), and 2011 (October); NC1: 2010 (October) and 2012 (October); NC2: 2010 (October), 2011 (October and November), and 2012 (October); OK: 2010 (October); and TX: 2011 (November).

TABLE 8 Performance of ‘KSUZ 0802’ and commercial cultivars at two locations mowed at fairway height (1.3 cm). Spring Billbug Turf quality Leaf Genetic color green- Fall color damage 2008 2009 2010 2011 2010 2011 2012 texture 2009 2010 2011 up retention 2009 2010 KS2 KS2 KS2 KS2 OK OK OK KS2 OK OK OK OK OK KS2 OK KS2 KS2 TPI ‘KSUZ 0802’ 8.0 a 6.3 a 7.1 a 7.2 a 5.4 a 7.6 a 6.6 a 8.0 a 7.3 a 5.0 a 4.0 a 2.7 b 3.7 b 4.0 a 5.7 a 14.1 b  2.8 b 14 ‘DALZ 0102’ 6.0 b 5.9 a 6.5 a 6.6 a 4.9 a 6.2 b 6.1 b 5.0 c 2.0 c 4.8 a 4.0 a 4.0 a 3.0 b 4.6 a 5.3 a  0.0 c  0.0 b 11 ‘Meyer’ 7.0 ab 4.8 b 5.5 b 5.6 b 5.0 a 6.1 b 5.6 c 6.3 b 4.7 b 5.3 a 5.3 a 4.0 a 5.5 a 4.1 a 5.7 a 31.7 a 12.2 a  8 Means in a column followed by the same letter are not significantly different at P ≤ 0.05. Years are presented separately for locations at which a significant cultivar × year interaction was observed. Turf quality ratings means were determined: KS2: 2008 (September), 2009 (June-August), 2010 (May-September), and 2011 (May and July-September); and OK: 2010 (May, August, September, and October), 2011 (May-October), and 2012 (April-July, and October). Leaf texture means were determined: KS2: 2008 (September), 2009 (June), and 2011 (August); and OK: 2009 (September). Genetic color means were determined: KS2: 2009 (April and June), 2010 (April (twice)), and 2011 (April). Spring green-up means were determined: OK: 2010 (Mar-April). Fall color retention means were determined: KS2: 2008 (October and November), 2009 (October), 2010 (October), and 2011 (October); and OK: 2010 (October). Billbug damage means were determined: KS2: 2009 (July and August) and 2010 (June-September).

-   Traits and characteristics of ‘KSUZ 0802’ grown at home lawn height     (grasses mowed weekly to achieve 3.8 to 6.4 cm cutting height):     -   -   Establishment.—‘KSUZ 0802’ establishment was similar to             ‘DALZ 0102’ at all 9 locations; and ‘KSUZ 0802’             establishment was superior to ‘Meyer’ at 2 locations and             similar to ‘Meyer’ at all other locations (Table 2). ‘KSUZ             0802’ and ‘DALZ 0102’ were in the statistically superior             group at all 9 locations; whereas, ‘Meyer’ was only in the             statistically superior group at 5 locations.         -   Turf quality.—‘KSUZ 0802’ turf quality was superior to that             of ‘DALZ 0102’ in 4 of the 16 evaluations and only             underperformed ‘DALZ 0102’ in 1 evaluation; and ‘KSUZ 0802’             turf quality was superior to that of ‘Meyer’ in 9 of the 16             evaluations and never underperformed ‘Meyer’ (Table 3).             ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in the statistically superior group in 15 of             the 16 evaluations; whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were             only in the statistically superior group in 12 and 6 of             those 16 evaluations, respectively.         -   Leaf texture.—‘KSUZ 0802’ leaf texture was significantly             finer than that of ‘DALZ 0102’ in all 11 evaluations; and             ‘KSUZ 0802’ leaf texture was significantly finer than that             of ‘Meyer’ in 6 of the 11 evaluations and never             underperformed ‘Meyer’ (Table 4). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in the             statistically superior group in all 11 evaluations; whereas,             ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were only in the statistically             superior group in 0 and 5 of those 11 evaluations,             respectively.         -   Genetic color.—‘KSUZ 0802’ genetic color was superior to             that of ‘DALZ 0102’ at 3 of the 9 locations and never             underperformed ‘DALZ 0102’; and ‘KSUZ 0802’ genetic color             was superior to that of ‘Meyer’ at one of the 9 locations             and never underperformed ‘Meyer’ (Table 5). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was             in the statistically superior group at all 9 locations;             whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were only in the             statistically superior group at 5 and 8 of those 9             locations, respectively.         -   Spring green-up.—‘KSUZ 0802’ Spring green-up was superior to             that of ‘DALZ 0102’ in 2 of the 13 evaluations; ‘KSUZ 0802’             Spring green-up was superior to that of ‘Meyer’ in 3 of the             13 evaluations (Table 6). ‘KSUZ 0802’ only underperformed             ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ in the NC2 evaluation. ‘KSUZ 0802’             was in the statistically superior group in 12 of the 13             evaluations; whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were only in             the statistically superior group in 11 and 10 of those 13             evaluations, respectively.         -   Fall color retention.—‘KSUZ 0802’ Fall color retention was             similar to that of ‘DALZ 0102’ in 9 of the 11 evaluations             and underperformed ‘DALZ 0102’ in only 2 evaluations; and             ‘KSUZ 0802’ Fall color retention was similar to that of             ‘Meyer’ in 10 of the 11 evaluations and underperformed             ‘Meyer’ in only 1 evaluation (Table 7). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in             the statistically superior group in 8 of the 11 evaluations;             whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were in the statistically             superior group in 9 and 10 of those 11 evaluations,             respectively. Fall color retention is a desirable trait             extending the green appearance of the turf stand into the             autumn season; however, early Fall dormancy and the             associated loss of green color (low Fall color retention             ratings) has been shown to be directly related to increased             freezing tolerance. -   Traits and characteristics of ‘KSUZ 0802’ grown at golf course     fairway height (grasses mowed 2 to 3 days a week to achieve 1.3. cm     cutting height):     -   -   Turf quality.—‘KSUZ 0802’ turf quality was superior to that             of ‘DALZ 0102’ in 3 of the 7 evaluations and never             underperformed ‘DALZ 0102’; ‘KSUZ 0802’ turf quality was             superior to that of ‘Meyer’ in 5 of the 7 evaluations and             never underperformed ‘Meyer’ (Table 8). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in             the statistically superior group in all 7 evaluations;             whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were only in the             statistically superior group in 4 and 2 of those 7             evaluations, respectively.         -   Leaf texture.—‘KSUZ 0802’ leaf texture was significantly             finer than that of ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ at both locations             (Table 8). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in the statistically superior             group at both locations; whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’             were never in the statistically superior group.         -   Genetic color.—‘KSUZ 0802’ genetic color was similar to that             of ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ in 2 of the 3 evaluations and             underperformed both commercial varieties in the third             evaluation (Table 8). ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in the statistically             superior group in 2 of the 3 evaluations; whereas, ‘DALZ             0102’ and ‘Meyer’ were in the statistically superior group             in all evaluations.         -   Spring green-up.—‘KSUZ 0802’ Spring green-up was similar to             that of ‘DALZ 0102’ in the single evaluation; however ‘KSUZ             0802’ underperformed ‘Meyer’ in that evaluation (Table 8).             ‘Meyer’ was the only variety in the statistically superior             group in this evaluation.         -   Fall color retention.—‘KSUZ 0802’ Fall color retention was             similar to that of ‘DALZ 0102’ and ‘Meyer’ at both locations             (Table 8). All three varieties were in the statistically             superior group at both locations.         -   Bluegrass billbug (Sphenophorus parvulus             Ghyllenhaal).—damage: ‘Meyer’ is susceptible to bluegrass             billbug damage; whereas, ‘DALZ 0102’ exhibits excellent             resistance. ‘KSUZ 0802’ resistance to bluegrass billbug             damage was superior to that of ‘Meyer’ in both evaluations;             whereas, ‘KSUZ 0802’ resistance to bluegrass billbug damage             was similar to ‘DALZ 0102’ in 1 evaluation and             underperformed ‘DALZ 0102’ in the other evaluation (Table             8). ‘DALZ 0102’ was in the statistically superior group in             both evaluations; ‘KSUZ 0802’ was in the statistically             superior group in only one evaluation; and ‘Meyer’ was never             in a statistically superior group in these evaluations. 

1. A new and distinct variety of zoysiagrass called ‘KSUZ 0802’ as shown and described herein. 